What is the main purpose of brood comb?

The main purpose of brood comb is to provide space for the queen to lay eggs and for larvae to develop. Brood comb is specifically constructed from beeswax, produced by the bees themselves, and it forms the cells where the queen deposits fertilized eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae, which are then cared for by worker bees until they pupate and emerge as adult bees.

This specialized comb is essential for the growth and survival of the bee colony, as it is directly tied to the process of reproduction and the formation of the next generation of bees. In contrast, honey is stored in separate, designated comb areas, the foraging bees do not typically "house" in the comb, and while the structure of the hive can provide some level of protection from pests, that is not the primary function of brood comb. Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing a healthy bee colony effectively.